5 March 2014 - The Philippine Embassy in Singapore attended a High Tea Event organized by Pan Pacific Orchard Singapore on February 28 to raise funds for the Singapore Red Cross Society’s rebuilding and rehabilitation projects in the Philippines to help homeless and displaced victims affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
The event featured cultural performances and an auction of prized vintages, collectible art and antiques and haute couture from the J Spring Fashion Show 2014. It is the first of a year-long project of Pan-Pacific Orchard that is aimed to “make a difference in the lives of the vulnerable who are often overlooked and to ensure that their needs are addressed from the ground up".
Former Singaporean Ambassador to Laos Benjamin William, Director General of the Singapore Red Cross Society, and Mr. Dean Rossilli, General Manager of Pan Pacific Orchard Singapore, led a select group of prominent individuals who were invited to the occasion.
The Philippine Embassy conveyed its deep gratitude to the organizers of the event even as it was underscored that continued efforts to raise funds for the victims of calamities that recently struck the Philippines indeed show the humanity and solidarity that people from different walks of life in Singapore have extended to the victims in times of dire need. It was noted that all forms of assistance will find a long way to help those affected as rehabilitation efforts move to the more challenging and lengthy phase of rebuilding destroyed homes and key infrastructure.
During his remarks, Mr. William noted that the Singapore Red Cross Society (SRCS) has raised more than S$10 million in donations, three months after Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) made landfall in central Philippines.
According to information posted in the SRCS web site, an initial sum of approximately S$750,000 was disbursed during the emergency response phase in December while up to S$2.5 million of the total funds collected has been committed to the first batch of rebuilding and rehabilitation projects in the current recovery phase. These projects will benefit numerous communities in several provinces affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). The remaining fund will be committed to additional projects in the coming months. END